The 82578 is packaged in a small footprint QFN package. Package size is 6 x 6 mm with a 0.4 mm lead pitch and a height of 0.85 mm, making it very attractive for small form-factor platforms.

The 82578 interfaces with its MAC through two interfaces: PCIe-based and SMBus. The PCIe (main) interface is used for all link speeds when the system is in an active state (S0) while the SMBus is used only when the system is in a low power state (Sx). In SMBus mode, the link speed is reduced to 10 Mb/s (dependent on low power options). The PCIe interface incorporates two aspects: a PCIe SerDes (electrically) and a custom logic protocol.

The 82578 is packaged in a small footprint QFN package. Package size is 6 x 6 mm with a 0.4 mm lead pitch and a height of 0.85 mm, making it very attractive for small form-factor platforms.

The 82578 interfaces with its MAC through two interfaces: PCIe-based and SMBus. The PCIe (main) interface is used for all link speeds when the system is in an active state (S0) while the SMBus is used only when the system is in a low power state (Sx). In SMBus mode, the link speed is reduced to 10 Mb/s (dependent on low power options). The PCIe interface incorporates two aspects: a PCIe SerDes (electrically) and a custom logic protocol.